Six other resolutions to go before AC in June

Beyond the resolutions anticipated from churches who voted to separate from The United Methodist Church, Annual Conference members will have the chance to vote on six other resolutions at this year’s annual conference.

Four of these are from South Carolina Reconciling Ministries, an official caucus of the UMC that works for full affirmation of all of God’s children, including LGBTQ+ persons, in the church and the world. They are:

• Support for removing all discriminatory policies and harmful language related to sexual orientation from the Book of Discipline;

• Support for the establishment of the government necessary to allow each region to design ministry for its particular contexts and be more effective in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world;

• Support for and amplification of the LGBTQIA+ delegates’ call to justice and empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ community and for responsibility as United Methodists to do good, do no harm, and stay in love with God; and

• Expression of respect and gratitude for those who have voluntarily stepped away from positions of leadership as they journey away from membership in the UMC.

The Conference Connectional Ministries’ Advocacy area and South Carolina Board of Church and Society is proposing a resolution urging South Carolina United Methodists to prayerfully address gun violence in their local context, including background checks and gun purchase restrictions.

And Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and the Rev. Amiri B. Hooker submitted a resolution calling for South Carolina United Methodists to unequivocally oppose the death penalty.

These resolutions are expected to be included in the conference packet that will be available at https://www.umcsc.org/ac2023 by May 1. You can also read them here.

Other resolutions can be brought on the floor of Annual Conference.